NEWS DESK Proudly published by Mornington Peninsula News Group Pty. Ltd
PHONE: 03 5974 9000
Published weekly and distributed to Frankston, Frankston South, Karingal, Langwarrin, Seaford, Baxter and Somerville
Circulation: 28,320
Audit period: Apr 2018 - Sept 2018
Source: AMAA; CAB Total Distribution Audit for further information visit auditedmedia.org.au
Editor: Brodie Cowburn 0401 864 460 Journalists: Brodie Cowburn, Stephen Taylor, 5974 9000 Photographers: Gary Sissons, Yanni Advertising Sales: Anton Hoffman 0411 119 379 Real Estate Account Manager: Jason Richardson 0421 190 318 Production and graphic design: Marcus Pettifer, Dannielle Espagne Group Editor: Keith Platt 0439 394 707 Publisher: Cameron McCullough
Signed up for safety: Harry and his father from Mount Martha have committed to follow the Dolphin Distancing program launched by the Dolphin Research Institute. Harry, who attends Mount Martha Primary, can be seen at: dolphinresearch.org. au/isiccheroes/
Dogs and dolphins ‘don’t mix’
REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Craig MacKenzie, Ben Triandafillou ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group PO Box 588 Hastings 3915 Email: team@baysidenews.com.au Web: baysidenews.com.au DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1PM ON THURSDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2021 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2021
An independent voice for the community
We are the only locally owned and operated community newspaper in Frankston City and on the Mornington Peninsula. We are dedicated to the belief that a strong community newspaper is essential to a strong community. We exist to serve residents, community groups and businesses and ask for their support in return.
DOLPHINS have become victims of their own popularity when they come close to shore in Western Port. After years of becoming an attraction at Balnarring for appearing to swim alongside racehorses being exercised in the shallows, there are now concerns about dogs also joining the dolphins in the water. Dolphin Research Centre executive director Jeff Weir said he had received reports of “dogs, paddlers and swimmers pestering dolphins in Western Port”. He had also received “many calls” about vessels in Port Phillip doing the same. In December, the DRI launched a campaign to persuade boaters to keep their distance from dolphins in Port Phillip and Western Port. “Dolphin Distancing is not just a quirky twist on COVID,” Mr Weir said. “We saw some appalling harassment of whales and dolphins on the few winter days this year when boats
Mazda 3 10 WEEKLY PRIZES TOTAL PRIZE POOL
$47K
could get out between COVID lockdowns.” Mr Weir last week said dogs being near dolphins was “particularly concerning when very young calves are present”. “People often say that they have been there for years and their dogs have always swum out to the dolphins and the dolphins are still here - so what's the problem? “The issue is that many small interruptions to a dolphin mother's feeding, resting, nursing, protecting behaviours - albeit small in isolation - add up to potentially threatening levels.” Mr Weir said dolphins may move as a result of stress “but, just like us, there is evidence that they will stay where the food is and put up with very stressful situations to the point that it takes a toll on them”. “Because it's so difficult to determine the limit of stress dolphins can cope with, it's best to minimise stresses where we can,” he said.
Approaches to address the issues in Western Port included changing “the social norm” so most people did the right thing; giving community talks; and starting a university intern and community research program. The study results would help the DRI “to better understand the dolphins use of Western Port and what areas are important, and the time they are spending feeding, resting, nursing, socialising or interacting with other species”. “This will be ongoing and help DELWP Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning) to budget for wildlife officers to focus on Western Port.” Regulations state that boats (including paddle craft) should not approach within 100 metres of a dolphin; jet skis must be at least 300m away; swimmers 30m; and dogs 300m. Fines can be up to $4000. Keith Platt
Commercial, Industrial, Residential - One Stop Flooring & Windows Finishes Centre
• CARPETS • TIMBERS • LAMINATES • VINYL TILES • BLINDS • ENGINEERED FLOORS • HYBRIDS • PLANTATION SHUTTERS • FLOOR SANDING & POLISHING P L U S! Luxury Bremworth Wool Carpets and a huge range of Timbers and Oaks available in store
There are 10 weekly prizes from chef’s hat restaurants to weekend getaways, from pampering experiences to body products, the Peninsula’s best wines, beers, cider and spirits, and a major prize of a brand new Mazda 3 G20 Pure Auto.
TO ENTER + FIND OUT MORE SCAN HERE
Simply enter online and tune into 3MP for weekly winner announcements, live on air. ENTER + VIEW PRIZE DETAILS AT
visitmp.org/win
WEEK
8
Terms and Conditions apply. Closing date for entries is 25 February 2021.
Carmel at Sorrento The Penthouse is calling! With 2 nights accommodation, in-room degustation dinner with a personal chef and an immersive Sensory Cocktail experience for 6 people. VALUED AT $5,800
3 ROOMS HYBRID INSTALLED FROM
$3250
*
OPEN
7 DAYS
2/544-546 Frankston-Dandenong Rd,
Carrum Downs, VIC 3201
1300 069 340 www.mikescarpets.com.au
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
CONTACT US FOR A FREE MEASURE & QUOTE PAGE 4
Frankston Times
2 February 2021
*Conditions apply
Connect with us